Great Harwood Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

February 2024 marked a significant rise in crime for Great Harwood, with an overall rate of 8.2 crimes per 1,000 residents—15.5% above the UK average of 7.1. This urbanised built-up area within Hyndburn experienced a stark shift in crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour dominating at 34.4% of total incidents, followed by violence and sexual offences (26.7%) and other theft (17.8%). These figures contrast sharply with the UK average for anti-social behaviour, which stood at 1.1 per 1,000, highlighting a 167% disparity. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may partly explain the persistence of indoor-related crimes such as anti-social behaviour and property offences. While the town's retail presence could typically drive shoplifting, this category fell 81% below the UK average, suggesting a possible reduction in high-street footfall during the month. The dominance of anti-social behaviour raises questions about community tensions or environmental factors. The rate of violent crime in Great Harwood was 12% below the UK average, indicating some localised differences in crime dynamics. As the area transitions from winter to spring, the interplay between seasonal patterns and local demographics will likely shape future trends, requiring continued monitoring.

February 2024 saw alarming spikes in specific crime categories, with criminal damage and arson surging by 800% (from 1 to 9 incidents) and other theft rising 433.3% (from 3 to 16). These increases far outpaced the UK average for both categories, with anti-social behaviour remaining 167% above national levels. While violence and sexual offences decreased by 35.1% compared to January, this decline contrasts with the sharp rise in property-related crimes. The 38.6% monthly increase in overall crime rates—from 5.9 to 8.2 per 1,000 residents—raises concerns about emerging patterns, particularly the 800% jump in criminal damage. Residents should be vigilant in public spaces, as this category's surge may indicate targeted vandalism or arson linked to local factors. Meanwhile, vehicle crime rose 200% (from 1 to 3), though it remains 32% below the UK average, suggesting potential gaps in local security measures. The stark contrast between falling violent crime and rising property crime highlights shifting priorities for community safety, with anti-social behaviour and theft demanding immediate attention.

Great Harwood's crime rate in February 2024 (8.2 per 1,000 residents) marked a 38.6% increase from the previous month's rate of 5.9, reflecting a significant upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 3 crimes per day over the 29-day month, a figure that, while localised, underscores the frequency of incidents in a relatively small population of 10,955. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 122 residents—a rate that, while not extreme, indicates a higher-than-average risk compared to the UK average. This figure is particularly relevant for residents, as it provides a tangible measure of personal likelihood: over the course of the month, a resident had a 1-in-122 chance of being directly involved in a reported crime. The comparison with the UK average also reveals stark differences: anti-social behaviour and other theft rates were 167% and 173% above national levels, respectively, while violent crime fell 12% below the UK average. These disparities suggest that local factors—such as community dynamics, policing strategies, or environmental conditions—play a critical role in shaping crime trends, even within a built-up area that shares broader national patterns.